Crystal Wilkinson’sThe Birds of Opulence is currently available from University Press of Kentucky. It tells the story of the Goode-Brown family, particularly matriarch Minnie Mae, as they deal with mental illness and illegitimacy. Kate Weiss of Leo Weekly calls The Birds of Opulence “swift and beautiful”.
Christopher McCurry’sNearly Perfect Photograph (Two of Cups Press) is a collection of marriage sonnets that will quickly resonate with any husband or wife. In an interview with Nettie Farris for New Southerner, Christopher says that he chose the sonnet because “Sonnets are supposed to put ideas, emotions, concepts, in conflict with one another” (source). The collection is all about the different kinds of conflict in a marriage-like relationship.
Nicholas Penn is a Lexington musician known for acoustic guitar and singing melancholy, but emotionally-charged, original songs. He has performed at various gatherings, recently performing at the Lexington Art League’s “Artist: Body” exhibit on March 25th. You can see one of his performances in the video below.